Israel Signature

Israel, often referred to as the “Holy Land”, is located on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea, and is bordered by Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt. For a relatively small area, Israel boasts a variety of diverse geographic landscapes and environments. The lifestyles and cultural beliefs of the Israeli people has very much been influenced by religion, and is visible in the every day life of this nation's people. The white city of Tel Aviv is the second most populated city in Israel, boasting historical monuments combined with modern streets and boardwalks lined with swanky cafes, bars, clubs and restaurants. The famous capital city of Jerusalem is the largest Israeli city, and is home to predominately those of Jewish heritage, but is also home to people of various Arabic backgrounds, with the three major religions practiced; Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The region of Galilee consists of various geographic characteristics ranging from rocky, high altitude terrain to green, flora enriched valleys, and is often referred to in the Bible, making it a popular tourist location year-round. Finish your tour in the seaside city of Eilat, and visit UNESCO heritage site Petra in neighboring Jordan. This classic tour explores famous Israeli cities, and regions, all customizable, with private transfers and 4 star accommodations.

Itinerary

Tel Aviv

The Savoy

Day 1: Tel Aviv

A private vehicle will provide a transfer between Tel Aviv and the airport.

Accommodation: The Savoy Tel Aviv (4*)

The City of Tel-Aviv

Day 2: Tel Aviv

Tel-Aviv is the bustling business centre of Israel, and boasts a combination of modern architecture, alongside some traditional and classic examples. Begin the tour with a visit to Old Jaffa, an area some 4,000 years old, this port city of Jaffa served Egyptian and Phoenician sailors during antiquity. Christian legend has it that Jaffa was named after Noah’s son Japhet, whom was believed to have built it after the great flood. Visit the Clock Tower in the central square, the Jaffa Museum (first constructed during the Crusades and exhibiting artifacts from area digs), Kikar Kedumin (formerly Tel Aviv’s red light district, but now an artsy place with restaurants and gift shops), and the port marina with its abundance of houseboats and restaurants. Next, enjoy a walking tour of Neve Tzedek. These beautifully restored houses and streets preserve the romance of the early days of Jewish urban settlement. The neighborhood was nicknamed "Little Paris" because of its eye-opening architectural innovations. Today, the most outstanding site is the Suzanne Delal Centre, a bustling dance and theater complex. In July, 2003, UNESCO proclaimed the "White City" as a World Cultural Heritage site. Walk along Rothschild Boulevard to view the architectural styles of the 1930s – most notably the International, or Bauhaus, style, telling the story of Tel Aviv from its early year's until today. This is a wonderful opportunity to savor the experience of life, past and present, in the first Hebrew city. Afterwards visit Rabin Square, where former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated. Walk in his final footsteps and discuss the impact of this event on the State of Israel.

Accommodation: The Savoy Tel Aviv (4*)

Rainbow Cave in Nahal Betzet, Galilee

The Ein Gev Holiday Resort

Day 3: Tel Aviv - Galilee

Relax and enjoy the scenery as your private vehicle travels north to Caesarea, once the Roman capital of the region. Upon arrival you will explore the excavation sites of the crusaders' city, the aqueduct, and the amphitheatre which has been restored as a concert venue. From here proceed to Haifa for some panoramic viewing atop Mount Carmel. Next you will be taken to Acre for a walk along the old harbour area and local market. The final stop of the day is at the northernmost point of Israel at Rosh Hanikra for some sightseeing, before descending by cable car into the limestone grottoes.

Accommodation: Kibbutz Ein Gev Holiday Resort (4*)

Stone streets in Safed

Day 4: Galilee

This tour begins with a drive to Safed, the center of the Kaballa movement. Visit the Joseph Caro and the Ha'Ari synagogues, which are the most important religious meeting places within the city. Enjoy a stroll around the Artists’ quarter before continuing on towards the Golan Heights. Here, enjoy the spectacular views from the observation point, including the city of Kuneitra and the neighbouring Syrian territory. Make a brief stop at the former Syrian army camp at Tel Facher, before visiting the Banias springs, which is one of the main sources of the Jordan River, also known as Casarea Philippi. A visit to Tel-Hai allows the opportunity to view the "Roaring Lion" monument, which describes the heroic battle of Josef Trumpeldor and his comrades in 1920.

Accommodation: Kibbutz Ein Gev Holiday Resort (4*)

Jerusalem

Harmony Hotel

Day 5: Galilee - Jerusalem

A private vehicle with driver will provide the means of transportation for this highlight tour of cities and monuments around the Sea of Galilee. The first stop is the city of Cana, to visit a wedding church where it is said that Jesus performed his first miracle, by turning water into wine. The town of Nazareth is the next place visited. This is where Jesus spent most of his childhood, as well as being the location of the Church of Annunciation, where archaeologists believe the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Virgin Mary. Whilst in Nazareth a visit to Mary's Well and Joseph's Church is planned before heading to Jerusalem.

Accommodation: Harmony Hotel (4*)

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Day 6: Jerusalem

This tour begins with visits to the Western Wall, followed by a visit to the famed Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock. Next, make a stop at Al Aksa Mosque before continuing on, walking through the meandering streets towards the reconstructed Cardo, a shopping arcade which once existed during ancient times. Follow the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, for a short photo stop. Enjoy some shopping at the most atmospheric market of the Old city, offering variety handicrafts, clothes, foods, spices and local delicacies. End the tour at David’s Citadel and Museum, located near the Jaffa Gate.

Accommodation: Harmony Hotel (4*)

Church of Nativity in Bethlehem

Day 7: Jerusalem

This tour visits the many highlights and monuments in two very important Israeli cities, Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Visit the Israel Museum with its renowned Shrine of the Book monument containing pieces of the Dead Sea Scrolls and a cityscape model of ancient Jerusalem. Pass by the Knesset building, home of the Israeli Parliament before touring Yad Vashem, a memorial built to commemorate victims of the Holocaust. In the afternoon carry on to Bethlehem and visit sites such as the Milk Grotto and the birthplace of Christianity, the Church or the Nativity.

Accommodation: Harmony Hotel (4*)

Ein Gedi Waterfall

Day 8: Jerusalem

Visit the beautiful Ein Gedi Reserve. See the waterfalls at this desert oasis, which is mentioned several times in the Book of Psalms. Continue along the Jordan Valley to Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ascend by cable car. Masada is the site of King Herod’s desert mountain get-away palace and scene of the zealots’ last stand against the Roman Legion. Explore the ancient excavation of Herod’s Palaces, the bathhouse, storerooms, the ramp, one of the oldest synagogues in the world and Masada's Archaeological Museum. At the end of the tour, enjoy some time to float on the unsinkable waters of the Dead Sea.

Accommodation: Harmony Hotel (4*)

Eilat Gulf

Isrotel Lagoona

Day 9: Jerusalem - Tel Aviv - Eilat

A private vehicle will provide a transfer between Jerusalem and the Tel Aviv airport.

Take your flight from Tel Aviv to Eilat. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.

A private vehicle will provide a transfer between Eilat and the airport.

Accommodation: Isrotel Lagoona

Petra

Day 10: Eilat

Spend the day exploring Petra, traveling in a private vehicle and accompanied by an experienced guide. After a transfer to the Arava border, our representative will meet and assist travelers with the border procedures, followed by a 2-hr transfer to Petra. Upon arrival at the visitor centre, set out accompanied by the experienced guide to explore Petra, and all the highlights of this marvelous Nabatean city. Upon entering the city, be rewarded with the most astonishing and dramatic monument in Jordan: The Treasury. Visit the theater, the tombs and facades all down the colonnaded street. Enjoy lunch before heading back to Eilat. An optional visit to Aqaba for a brief city tour is also available.

PLEASE NOTE: The prices do not include the border taxes of US $65 per person, to be paid on the spot in cash, and subject to change without prior notice.07:30 A.M pick up from hotel. Drop off back to hotel at 18:30 approx.

Accommodation: Isrotel Lagoona

Day 11: Eilat

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Accommodation: Isrotel Lagoona

Day 12: Eilat

A private vehicle will provide a transfer between Eilat and the airport.

Take your flight from Eilat to Tel Aviv. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.

What's Included:

Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

What's not Included:

Trip Terms & Conditions

Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.

Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary

Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.

Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.

Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

Hotels

The Savoy

The Savoy Tel Aviv (4*) - Tel Aviv

The Savoy Tel Aviv, located at the heart of the city and just a short walk from the beach, combines striking elegance with advanced facilities designed for business travelers. A unique sense of style is reflected in the interior finish, conveying a welcoming luxury and inspired simplicity. Offering the highest level of standards and service, yet with personal attention and an intimate atmosphere, The Savoy Tel Aviv is a place you’ll want to return to, time and time again. Comprising 55 state-of-the-art guest rooms with a stunning artwork feature, a modern lobby and gourmet breakfast, The Savoy Tel Aviv provides an experience of elegance and convenience close to the main business and leisure destinations of the city.

Kibbutz Ein Gev Holiday Resort (4*) - Galilee

The Ein-Gev Holiday Resort is situated on the eastern shores of the Sea of Galilee and is one of the largest in the area. The resort focuses mainly on organized tours and vacations for tourists from all over the world. Equipped with 166 rooms are suitable for couples, families and groups, and their location – on the shores of the lake – provides an ideal setting for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation in a beautiful clean environment.

Harmony Hotel (4*) - Jerusalem

The Harmony Hotel Jerusalem is located in the heart of the city and only a 10-minute walk from the Old City and 5 minutes away from Jerusalem’s new Mamilla shopping center. It's ideal location in the heart of Jerusalem in the Nahalat Shiva neighborhood, allows guests to enjoy the areas gourmet restaurants, upscale boutiques catering and the many religious and historic sites of Jerusalem.

Isrotel Lagoona - Eilat

Isrotel Lagoona is an all-inclusive hotel located in close proximity to the North Beach. The property is also close to the Eliat Marina and Eliat Museum and Art Gallery. Facilities include a full-service spa, a gymnasium, an outdoor swimming pool and a children’s playground. When everything is free, the kids can keep themselves busy and you can lie back and enjoy the atmosphere of complete rest and a homely, comfortably hospitality experience.

Map

Reviews

Egypt & Middle East
Melissa Trotta ,
December 12, 2014"This was an amazing trip. We felt comfortable and taken care of the entire trip. We will definitely use Kensington again!"

Egypt & Middle East
Terri Beauchamp ,
December 12, 2014"As a single female, I decided at the last minute to change my travel plans and stop by Egypt en route to the United States from Morocco I emailed Tony at Kensington to see if he could assist me with planning a 2-day all-inclusive Cairo trip. Within an hour, I received a quote and itinerary that was exactly what I was looking for. I also was assured by Tony he would get his best female guide to make me feel more comfortable, as well as having a male guide for security. Kensington Tours far exceeded my expectations and not only put together the most amazing tour of Cairo, covering everything in 2 days, but I felt more secure than in the United States. I could have never experienced all of Cairo the way that I did if I had not gone through Kensington. I have traveled to over 80 countries now and I can, without a doubt, say that Kensington is the only tour company that has ever exceeded my expectations and done so with a quality of customer service that is very rare. They are the Rolls Royce of tour companies! "

Egypt & Middle East
TerriBeauchamp ,
December 09, 2014"As a single female,I decided at the last minute to change my travel plans and stop by Egypt en route to the United States from Morocco I emailed Tony at Kensington to see if he could assist me with planning a 2-day all-inclusive Cairo trip. Within an hour, I received a quote and itinerary that was exactly what I was looking for. I also was assured by Tony he would get his best female guide to make me feel more comfortable, as well as having a male guide for security. Kensington Tours far exceeded my expectations and not only put together the most amazing tour of Cairo, covering everything in 2 days, but I felt more secure than in the United States. I could have never experienced all of Cairo the way that I did if I had not gone through Kensington. I have traveled to over 80 countries now and I can, without a doubt, say that Kensington is the only tour company that has ever exceeded my expectations and done so with a quality of customer service that is very rare. They are the Rolls Royce of tour companies!"

Egypt & Middle East
KathyNickell ,
December 12, 2014"This was the best trip we have ever taken in all our years of travel! The experience of Egypt & Jordan provided by Kensington tours was to say "Fantastic!" Our travels with our guides, drivers and all other people associated with Kensington tours contributed to us "having a trip of a lifetime!""

Egypt & Middle East
Kirsten Boucher ,
November 04, 2013"I want to tell you what a great trip you arranged for us. We are having an amazing time and have very good guides. "

Egypt & Middle East
Ann Schiller ,
October 29, 2013"I wanted to write to you this week to express my sincere thanks for the trip of a lifetime to India. My son, David, and I had the most incredible time in the Golden Triangle, thanks to you! The entire tour went without a hitch. We saw so many attractions on our short journey. We were enamored with the Indian culture, architecture and artistry. The hotels were fantastic, like you promised. The hospitality was unmatched. We appreciated the Kensington staff who met us at the airport and at each destination, and made sure that our checkouts went smoothly, as well."

Egypt & Middle East
Shannon Gagnon ,
November 04, 2013"I will always recommend Kensington Tours to clients. I always feel comfortable and safe on the tours we take with Kensington. It is a top tour company in my opinion and your work was outstanding."

Egypt & Middle East
Sharon Lombardi ,
November 04, 2013"Bhutan guide and driver were excellent...loved them so much!"

Egypt & Middle East
Deborah Eastland ,
October 29, 2013"My husband and I have just returned from the trip of a lifetime in Egypt. The sites were amazing and overwhelming. Everything was as promised. We had the most amazing pyramid view and Nile view from our hotels. Our itinerary included the most magnificent sites and we were accompanied by the most informative and friendly people. I highly recommend visiting Egypt. It is totally safe. Thank you to everyone at Kensington for this experience. It was so beyond our expectations!"

Egypt & Middle East
Arnold Levine ,
August 30, 2013"Thank you so much for everything.
You planned an outstanding trip that met all our interests and requirements.
Another wonderful tailored vacation by Kensington. I've completed the survey, but wanted to let you know personally how thankful we are to you."